Category: Marijuana Addiction

The dangers of smoking pot manifest in the physiological and mental aspects of the user especially with long-term use. Know the harmful signs of marijuana addiction.

Smoking pot is not just for recreational or medical purposes because there are health implications either way. Canadians are highly at risk of the ugly side of marijuana smoking and the figure is getting higher while the age of pot smokers are getting lower. In fact, in previous years, the average age of Canadians who are introduced to cannabis is 15. There are various physical and mental effects when you smoke marijuana and when things get out of hand, it could be truly destructive, oftentimes fatal.

Smoking Pot – The Youth and the Addiction

The chance of getting addicted to marijuana is an established fact especially among young people as well as the statistics that the youth are the most vulnerable to the illegal use of this harmful drug. Marijuana users are exposed to the mind-altering compound called THC or tetrahydrocannabinol. This component in weed has drastically increased by up to 400% especially over the few decades.

What happens when you smoke weed for a longer time?

The long-term effects of smoking pot are directly putting a toll on your physical health and the end result is all leading to serious problems such as the following:

Heart Risks

Cardiovascular diseases are quite inevitable when you are smoking pot and have been doing it for a long time. The normal heartbeat is between 70 and 80 times per minute but if you use marijuana, the heartbeat rate is doubled. The rate of your heartbeat increases and it certainly puts your heart at risk, leading to stroke or heart attack. Moreover, the age of the user great affects the situation and pre-existing blood circulatory or heart problems make it even worse.

Lung and Breathing Problems

Smoking pot is dangerous to your lungs and the respiratory system simply because marijuana contains a mixture of toxic substances. These compounds irritate the lungs, throat, and the respiratory system as a whole, causing coughing that could eventually lead to bronchitis. There are also cancer-causing components in cannabis that you could also find in tobacco smoke. Some of the symptoms of long-term marijuana smoking include the following:

Lung infections

Chronic chest problems

A chronic and ongoing cough

Increased mucus or phlegm buildup in the lungs and throat

Pregnancy Implications

The sad truth is that marijuana addiction can actually lead women to smoke pot despite their medical condition and pregnancy cannot stop that. The results of clinical studies according to the healthcanadians.gc.ca website show that children who were exposed to cannabis have problems with their memory, emotional and behavioural responses, problem-solving skills, and the ability to pay attention and maintain focus. Babies have delayed visual responses and decreased birth weight.

Smoking pot is a serious problem in Canadian society then and now and numerous government initiatives have already been taken in order to address this social and health dilemma. Marijuana is a dangerous drug that leads to life-threatening physical and mental problems and the age group that has been affected is becoming more dangerously diverse.

Learn about simple and effective ways that can help you get rid of smoking weed and stop using it once and for all.

Weed addiction is not only harmful and detrimental to your health but your life as well. It is also something that can lead you to different kinds of problems, interfering with your work, social life, social standing and personal relationships as well. So, when is the right time to stop and change for the better? The first thing that you need to do is know how to stop smoking weed. Here, you will be learning some useful insights that will increase your chances of quitting smoking weed effectively and successfully.

Quit Weed in a Gradual Manner

Quitting from a habit can be very difficult and the process that you will have to go through is not rocket science. Thus, it is highly suggested that stopping should be done gradually especially when the thing that you will have to stop using is weed or marijuana. However, gradually does not necessarily mean doing it for a couple of years or longer. Instead, you should see yourself to be marijuana-free for a period of one month, for instance. Thus, it really helps to set a date today and mark your calendar to keep you reminded of that time duration.

Be Organized

So that you can wean yourself from weed completely, it is important to have a careful plan about how much weed you should use in a day. For instance, you can use half of the usual amount of weed that you are used to. Be able to allocate a specific portion that you will be consuming in a day and stick to it. This is something that will make you stronger against temptations.

Keep Yourself Busy

Once you have started with your quit-weed process, this is then the right time for you to claim your social life back. Call your friends and arrange for a worthwhile activity. Go out with your family and recreate. Engage in different kinds of social activities that you have missed out. In short, you need to perform activities that will keep your mind busy so you will never have to think about smoking weed again.

It is important to remember all the good reasons why you are quitting smoking weed. You should also think of all the good things that you will be enjoying after you have successfully stopped smoking weed. Keep going and you will be surprised in the end.

Throw Away Everything

If there is weed left in your closet flush it down the toilet or throw it away so that you can’t get to it later. Just make sure that the weed is no longer possible for you to get hold of it. So, it will be essential to destroy it. Aside from destroying the remaining weed you have, you should also avoid lighters, matches, containers, bongs and roach clips. Destroy or throw them all away.

Lastly, one effective way on how to stop smoking weed is to tell about your quit-smoking-weed plan to a support system. These are people whom you trust the most.

Weed, cannabis, marijuana are just a few of the names you know about this polarizing topic in the world of drugs and medicine. The debates about the helpful and destructive effects of cannabis are getting hotter even more. It helps to know some of the myths and truths that have engulfed the topic that is weed.

Weed Myths and Truths Revealed

Whether you are for or against the use of marijuana, there are essential things to consider and understand about cannabis and its impact on your health. Here are some of the facts you need to know and the myths that need to be busted once and for all:

MYTH: Weed Suppresses Hunger Pangs

There have been some arguments that say using weed could actually contribute to weight loss primarily because it helps in suppressing hunger, making it a good defense against binge eating or snacking.

TRUTH: Weed Creates Munchies

Research made about marijuana showed that weed has the properties to hijack the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that is responsible for sleep, libido, and hunger. The study showed that cannabinoids affected the neurons that suppress or regulate hunger, making it work doubly hard. The neurons actually did not shut down hunger but rather promote it.

MYTH: All Types of Weed Have the Same Effect

There are two major species of cannabis known as sativa and indica. However, most scientists are claiming that there are still other species out there, waiting to be discovered. People also thought that these different species have the same effect and give you the same high.

TRUTH: Different Species of Weed Have Distinct Effects

The cannabis species Sativa is known to have a psychoactive cerebral effect to the user while Indica creates a sedating and relaxing feeling. The Sativa species has narrow leaves and it is significantly taller than its indica counterpart which also has wider leaves. Moreover, scientists agree that there are different reactions to each plant and it is quite difficult to predict those reactions in different individuals. More studies are ongoing in the pursuit of discovering the other differences between these two species.

MYTH: It’s Safer to Take Synthetic Marijuana

Synthetic marijuana is also known as fake weed, K2, or spice, and most people claim that it is a much safer option than natural ones.

TRUTH: That is Simply Wrong and Preposterous

Saying that synthetic marijuana is safer is just wrong in so many ways. In fact, fake weed is up to a hundred times stronger compared to its natural counterpart, and that is downright risky. There are no spices that are manufactured with a safe dosage in mind. The identified insane side effects of synthetic marijuana include hallucination, vomiting, stroke, and acute psychosis, even death.

Weed has been legalized due to a number of legitimate reasons. However it could also be life-ruining when abused. When necessary, Marijuana Addiction Treatment is very helpful. Know the myths and truths about cannabis and see how you can use them to your advantage.

Marijuana continues to be a popular choice for substance users all across Canada, and it is the most common illicit drug used worldwide. Meny children are exposed to the drug in the pre-teen and teenaged years, and Canadian indigenous youth are at particular risk with almost two-thirds of teenagers aged 15-19 reporting marijuana use.

The use of cannabis in young adults is common; unfortunately, the ramifications of early use can be detrimental to their future health. Adolescent use of marijuana has the ability to cause structural and functional damage to the brain, as well as increased chances for mental illness, cognitive decline and impaired neurological development.

So, why do young adults use marijuana? Unfortunately, there are various reasons for ingesting this popular substance. However, recognizing an individual’s specific reasons may make it easier to pinpoint the cause of use, and the solutions for quitting.

Here are some common answers for those who are wondering, ‘Why do young adults use marijuana?’:

Miseducation

Like many substances, a lot of young adults just aren’t educated enough about marijuana. One of the reasons that so many people are comfortable smoking this popular drug is because they assume that it’s harmless and much safer than other options.

The media is a prime suspect for this thinking; marijuana use is constantly made acceptable in song lyrics, music videos and movies. Young audiences see their favorite singers and role models casually smoking, and perceive it to be harmless, cool and care-free.

Unfortunately, many young adults don’t understand the potential effects of smoking marijuana. Short-term effects include anxiety, loss of memory, bad coordination and cognitive issues. The long-term effects can include a weaker immune system, lung infections, paranoia and addiction.

Curiosity

Young adults are constantly experimenting and figuring out what they like and don’t like. Drugs and alcohol are two common items that they will come across on the school yard or during after-school activities, and the curiosity of smoking marijuana is a common reason for trying it.

Availability

Obtaining marijuana continues to get easier and easier for young adults, and it is one of the most affordable drugs as well. Not to mention, many states in America are legalizing the drug, making it even easier for people to obtain it.

It is also possible for individuals to grow their own marijuana, and while the process is illegal, many young adults attempt this action to obtain their own supply.

Peer Pressure

One of the things that young adults struggle with is finding a place where they fit in. For many, giving in to peer pressure is a way to get in with the cool crowds, and the temptation often wins.
For parents who are wondering ‘Why do young adults use marijuana?’, one of the main reasons has nothing to do with their own curiosity or rebellion; it is merely a tool for finding a place in their social circles.

Young adults use marijuana because of its accessibility, and the notion that it is far safer than alcohol or harder drugs. Unfortunately, one puff often leads to more, and the long-term effects can start taking place much sooner than expected.

If you suspect your child of marijuana use, consider educating them about the dangers of using drugs. By providing them with sound information, they will be able to make more informed decisions about their choices.

Meny individuals who use marijuana assume that they will not become addicted to it; however, marijuana is in fact very addictive and has the ability to cause serious withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

For individuals who are trying to kick their habit of using weed, it is helpful to know that the list of benefits for quitting is long. Meny people express a great satisfaction with quitting marijuana use, and what they have gained from the decision greatly outweighs what they received from getting high.

To provide some clarity on the topic, the following are some of the top benefits of quitting marijuana:

Improved Health

Long-term use of marijuana can have serious effects on your overall health, so even if you don’t see the effects right away, you may notice irreversible changes over time. Heavy use of marijuana can cause lung problems, prolonged coughing, decreased endurance and even cancer.

For those individuals who do not inhale their weed, they can still experience states of confusion and disorientation, as well as mood swings and decreased cognitive thinking. Quitting marijuana can improve your chances of avoiding memory loss and decreased critical thinking skills.

For those who started smoking weed early, quitting may also help to salvage your IQ.

Mental Clarity

It is common for people who smoke weed to talk about the amazing idea they conjure when they’re high; unfortunately, these ideas don’t quite sound the same to someone who is sober. You’ll likely notice that when you’re sober, you have a much easier time putting coherent thoughts together, and communicating to others is a lot easier as well.

Smoking weed may make you feel relaxed and focused, but it’s actually hindering your mental clarity and slowing everything down.

Extra Funds

One of the top benefits of quitting marijuana, aside from becoming much healthier, is being able to save a lot of cash. Similar to buying that pricey coffee every morning or purchasing that pack of smokes every week, maintaining your weed habit will also put a dent in your wallet.

Depending on the quality of the weed you’re smoking, where you’re getting it from and how much you need, your prices will vary. The average cost for one ounce of weed will put you back anywhere between $150-$400.

Those who are spending and smoking the least, might expend anywhere from $150-$1,000 per year. If you tend to share a lot, then you’ll probably be going through an ounce of weed in a couple of months or less. If you’re buying the good stuff, then you’re looking at anywhere from $1200-$2400 per year just to get your fix.

An ideal benefit of quitting marijuana is being able to put that money towards a much better investment.

More Motivation

Some weed users might have great ideas when they’re high, but chances are they aren’t going to act on them. Effects of marijuana usually leave users feeling relaxed and less motivated, settling for the idea of sitting on the couch over attaining some goals.

Enjoy the benefits of a clearer mind that finds the motivation to get things done, instead of being motivated to binge and chill for the next five hours.

Other key benefits of quitting marijuana include embracing a healthier diet, reduced anxiety and higher self-esteem. Weed does not help to make us better versions of ourselves; it merely impedes our potential.

Consider these top benefits of quitting marijuana and discover all of the amazing things you can enjoy with a clean body and mind.

The long-term effects of marijuana may not be a concern to someone who is trying this type of drug for the first time. An individual who has only smoked marijuana once or a few times in life will likely assume that no lasting effects will occur; however, for many people, what starts as one smoke can easily turn into a handful, and eventually someone can become prone to smoking a consistent amount on a daily basis.

The short-term effects of marijuana differ from person to person, and range from mild to severe reactions. Some of the most common short-term effects include hallucinations, slower reaction time, panic and increased heart rate.

For those who have been ingesting marijuana for longer periods of time, there is the possibility that they will experience much more severe effects. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, visiting a treatment center might be a beneficial decision.

The following are some of the long-term effects of marijuana:

Long-Term Memory Loss

Marijuana effects many parts of the brain, including the hippocampus, which is the center for memory, emotion and the autonomic nervous system. When an individual ingests cannabis, it has the ability to prevent the brain from creating new memories; when there is heavy ingestion, the brain can even begin to create false memories. This is often the reason why smoking marijuana has the ability to create feelings of anxiety and mistrust.

Individuals who begin regularly smoking Marijuana in their early years are even more susceptible to worsened memory loss as adults, and are likely to have abnormally-shaped hippocampal regions.

Individuals who do not smoke cannabis on a regular basis in their youth are likely to have much better cognitive responses in adulthood, as well as a better ability to learn and perform complex tasks.

Addiction

Though not incredibly common, one-in-ten people will become addicted to cannabis; that number rises to one-in-six if the individual began using during adolescence. With enough usage, individuals may also experience symptoms of withdrawal that can include loss of appetite, anxiety and depression.

Poor Heart Conditions

Marijuana comes from the cannabis plant, but what many people don’t know is that it is also made up of a range of toxic chemicals, including hydrogen cyanide and ammonia. The long-term effects of ingesting these chemicals can have serious effects on the heart, as they can cause damage to the lungs and bronchial passages.

Individuals who have been ingesting cannabis for a long time may notice a persistent cough, excess phlegm and troubles breathing. The effects have been compared to those of the results from smoking tobacco.

Pregnancy Problems

Another one of the long-term effects of marijuana to be taken very seriously is the effect of cannabis on unborn children. Marijuana use during pregnancy is said to have long-lasting effects on the child’s memory, and ingesting the drug during infancy may result in the chemicals being passed to the child through breastfeeding.

Conclusion

Depending on the individual, some of the other long-term effects of marijuana may include a serious decline in IQ, lower quality of life, financial difficulties, poor sexual performance and relationship problems.

While not all individuals will experience the same effects, long-term ingestion of cannabis can be very dangerous. If you’re trying to kick your habit, consider doing some personal research to find out about local treatment centers that can help you.